Skip to main content

The Downtown Fitness Center will be closed Friday, March 29th - Sunday, March 31st. The Student Recreation Center will operate on regular hours of operation. 
For more information, please visit our Facility Impacts page

How to Deal with Homesickness in College

By Megan Bevins | WVUGo Staff Writer

Club Sports

It's normal to feel a sense of homesickness when returning to college after the holiday break. Acknowledge those feelings and “own them,” while also acknowledging that you may have to stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone to leave those feelings behind.

Here are resources to help overcome this feeling and to make you feel more connected on campus, based on WVU’s Campus Mental Health and Mental Health America (MHA).

The Carruth Center

First and foremost, it’s important to know where to get help when you need it. WVU’s Carruth Center offers a wide range of counseling services, including a Crisis Clinic and group counseling. If you feel like you need someone to talk to about missing home or problems adjusting to campus, schedule an appointment at the Carruth Center by phone at 304-293-4431, or online through their scheduling page.

Additionally, WVU has partnered with Talkspace, an online therapy service that connects users to a dedicated therapist from a secure, HIPAA compliant platform and is available to all WVU students at no cost.

The Well-being Adventure Series, a joint venture between the Carruth Center and Adventure WV, returns this semester, offering students a variety of events to connect with peers, try out a new activity and invest in their own well-being. Programs are only a few hours long and involve basic instructions along with some wellness components. All programs are beginner friendly, and very few require prior experience. 

Campus Clubs and Organizations

Getting involved with clubs and organizations on campus is a wonderful way to meet new people who share your passions and interests. Hanging out with new friends is the perfect thing to get your mind off missing home and start having fun on campus. WVU Campus Recreation offers many different Club Sports, so it is likely you can find one you enjoy.

You can also choose from hundreds of student organizations, or even start your own! Becoming a part of something special on campus can give you a sense of purpose and let you do something fun in your free time.

Connect with students who share similar life experiences through University organizations like the LGBTQ+ Center, The Center for Black Culture and Research, the Women's Resources Center and Veteran Services. You can also see a list of religious student organizations as well as cultural and international student organizations.  

Also, making some friends in the classroom can introduce you to people who share your academic interests. Talk to people around you in class, and try making plans with them to study or even do something fun outside of the classroom. Ask your roommate or someone down the hall to go to dinner. You may find they are feeling the same way and looking for a new friend.

Campus Amenities

Basketball

Visiting one of WVU’s many amenities could be beneficial when you feel homesick. Study at one of the   libraries, hit the Student Rec Center for a workout or get a bite to eat at the Mountainlair. WVUp All Night is a great event where you can meet people, do some really fun things, eat food and engage in an activity that will make you feel part of WVU.

You can also enjoy the great outdoors by visiting Adventure WV’s Outdoor Recreation Center for equipment rentals, see what's going on at the Evansdale Fields or visit the Core Arboretum. Getting out of the house and clearing your mind can help you feel motivated and become more familiar with campus terrain.

Attend an event and ask a friend to go with you. Check out the Refresh and Student Events websites for upcoming events. 

Stay in Touch With Family and Friends

Keeping connections with those at home is the best way to help when you’re feeling homesick. Make sure to call your family and friends at home at least once a week and visit periodically.

MHA even suggests decorating your room with the same color scheme as the one you have at home. You can also bring valuable items, like blankets, stuffed animals, pictures and decorations from home to help you feel more comfortable at school.


About the Author

Megan Bevins
Megan Bevins is a staff writer for the WVUGo marketing and communications team. She is currently a junior at West Virginia University obtaining a B.S. in Journalism. She hopes to work as a News Reporter after graduation.